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VERDICT

Wonton 51 doesn't quite offer the same depth as a real bullet hell or the usual skill based challenge of an endless platformer, but it explores the territory somewhere between them to come up with something interesting to try.

Full Review

App Store Info

The popularity of abstract shooters and endless titles was eventually bound to result in a developer marrying the two, with games like Phoenix by Firi Games capturing the spirit of a bullet hell shoot'em-up while still having the hook of hitting 'replay' over and over. Wonton 51 by Quarter Circle Punch takes another stab at the formula, opting for a self-aware style that adds some humor in to the mix.

As with any self-respecting game invoking the early days of the arcade (as this retro pixel-art designed game certainly does), the hero is forced in to action after his girlfriend is kidnapped... by mecha robots... oh and he can transform in to a mecha robot... powered by ramen. Add in the cheesy (and borderline weeaboo-mocking) Japanese voice overs, text and city scape and you have the backdrop for Wonton 51.

Players guide their hero by swiping the bottom or left side of the screen (depending on whether you play vertically or horizontally respectively) to move him back and forth while touching the screen to fire salvos of bullets (and eventually rockets if you upgrade enough). Eating ramen adds a point of health to your hero, up to a maximum of 3, also upgrading his weapon at the same time. From there on out it's all about avoiding buildings, shooting enemies and generally staying alive.

Small bonuses such as 'scraping' buildings can earn extra points, but at anything but the slower speeds this is nearly suicidal to try. Should you survive long enough you'll encounter various mini-bosses, getting stronger each time you reach them and if you're lucky you may just rescue the girl.

Wonton 51 has potential, but it's hampered by too many shortcomings to really excel. Interface woes such as the game not realigning properly for horizontal play and not having separate control schemes for vertical play (your hand repeatedly gets in the way of what's happening) distract from the otherwise repetitive gameplay.

Worth a shot if you're after a different kind of shmup that doesn't mind poking fun at the Western love-affair of Japanese culture.

Description

Yo, do you like ramen and bullets?

YES?!?

Then strap in for ENDLESS BULLET DODGE PANIC!

World famous ramen chef JONNY POWERSLIDE’S girlfriend has been kidnapped by the nefarious Baron Wonton. Now Jonny's in a wicked rage and ready to SUPER DASH COMBO INTO FIERCE AND SAVE THE DAY.

Hurtle at LITERAL MEGA SPEED down the HIGHWAY OF BULLET HELL, icing bad guys, destroying CHAOS FORTRESSES and slurpin' on delicious noodles as you SAVE COOKIE!

This game probably has the best features of any game. We wouldn't lie to you.

- Mechs!
- Bullets!
- Number-based scores!
- Flashing hearts!
- A deeply emotional love story that made one player feel "emotionally distraught."
- A gun that fires three (3) bullets at once!

Due to popular demand, both modes have multi touch and auto fire controls, a new weapon and new leaderboards. We've added Chaos Fortress Rush Mode with new bosses, a new background, a new player costume and new music. It's all bosses, all the time baby! We've also added Hyper Spicy Mode which is full of bad dudes that need dying. New enemies, new backgrounds, new mech suit for Jonny and new music!

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"I had absolute fun with this title" 4/5 stars – VVGTV

"This endless bullet dodging tap-to-fire arcade based shoot-em-up is one of the more intense titles to grace the iDevice" - The App Shack - 8/10

"Wonton 51 is worth the price of admission... Anyone who has a delicious affinity for games that weigh ample amount of punishment against reward will enjoy Wonton 51’s healthy mix of enemies, anime-style gameplay and a slice of taunting bullet hell." - Chicago Examiner - 4/5

"Wonton 51 is a delightful little game that really evokes everything that was great about classic shmups." - Bits n Bytes Gaming - Recommended#

"I told you it's a bit of a looker." - DIY Gamer

***Featured by Apple on the iTunes Home Page in the United States, Canada, China and Mexico in "New and Noteworthy" and "What's Hot"!***

Top 100 Games in Portugal, Taiwan, France and Saudi Arabia!
Top 500 Games in over 40 territories!

Thank you to everyone who's played Wonton 51!

What's New in Version 1.2.2

All three modes are now bundled into the one app with no additional purchases needed! Each mode comes complete with auto-fire and classic modes.